Zinc Pectinate-Sesbania Gum-Mediated Interpenetrating Polymer Network-Based Microbeads as a Candidate For Floating Drug Delivery of Esomeprazole

Abstract

This study aimed to develop esomeprazole-loaded zinc-pectinate-Sesbania gum floating microbeads, optionally supplemented with calcium silicate, as a gastro-retentive drug delivery system. The microbeads were produced using the ionic gelation method, with zinc acetate as the crosslinking agent, and were characterized through in vitro studies. The findings revealed that all formulations exhibited high drug encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release profiles. Polymer ratios, calcium silicate incorporation, and the choice of low-density oils significantly influenced drug encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics. Notably, the B:6 batch, formulated with Sesbania gum and low methoxy pectin, demonstrated outstanding performance, releasing 95.89 ± 1.66% of the drug within 7 h, with a floating lag time of 1.18 ± 0.07 min, indicating promising in vitro gastro-retention capabilities. Analysis of P-XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and DSC data highlighted changes in crystallinity, drug–excipient compatibility, surface morphology, and thermal behavior of esomeprazole and esomeprazole-loaded microbeads. In conclusion, these floating microbeads represent a potential gastro-retentive drug delivery system, offering enhanced buoyancy and prolonged drug release, with potential therapeutic advantages for peptic ulcer management.